Oil & Fuel B2150 strange leak

[moeh1]

I have a B2150 hydrostat and a strange leak just developed. I’m starting to troubleshoot and will start pulling some covers off but checking in to see if anyone has seen this before. Fluid is actually pushing up the steering shaft from below the dashboard and spilling out and down the metal panel just behind the dashboard. I assume it is UDT from the transmission case. Appreciate any insights.

 

[moeh1]

Pulled it apart enough to watch both power steering lines, neither leak. It comes directly out of the top of the steering shaft.

 

[5030]

All Kubota's use an orbital gearmotor ro actuate the (power) steering cylinder and yours is suffering from failed seals. I don't believe there is a rebuild kit available and exchange will be your only option. The internals have to be installed and aligned correctly for it to work, fyi.

Live with it, or replace it are really your only options.

 

[moeh1]

5030 - Thanks for the reply! Got an exchange service option available? Can’t live with it, it came on suddenly and is severe. Was hoping maybe an oring…. Too much to ask for…. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads reading this thread. Cheers.

 

[5030]

My local Kubota dealer are the only folks I deal with for replacement parts and their head tech told me it's exchange only and even he never has attempted to rebuild one.

He told me the reason they start leaking is, owners use the steering wheel to position themselves in the operators seat and when they do, they put excessive strain on the steering shaft and that causes seal failure. Something I try to avoid after I was told that.

You might try Coleman's in Kansas City. They are a huge stocking dealer and their ship cost is reasonable compared to Messicks. When my local dealer don't have something I need, I give Coleman's a call or email and get it from them. Nice folks and don't gouge on shipping cost either.

 

[JWR]

Pulled it apart enough to watch both power steering lines, neither leak. It comes directly out of the top of the steering shaft.

That is rather wild. I have both the hydrostatic and the stick shift versions of the B2150. Best compact tractor ever made ... if they had just put synchronizers in the std transmissions !! I do not think your leak has anything to do with hydrostatic vs stick. 5030 advice above is no doubt accurate. It depends where you live, but a really ambitious hydraulic repair shop that regularly replaces seals in some incredible circumstances (my local one moved to Michigan...) could do it. The labor would compete with (or likely exceed) the costs of a replacement. On the other hand, the labor cost for removing the steering shaft/unit will be worse than the cost for replacing the seals out in the open. There are a lot of B2150s around and some of the salvage yards might be able to help. That would become the low-cost route if you can do the removal part of the labor yourself. Good luck.

 

[moeh1]

Rich nailed the repair in a post

B2150D Power Steering Hydraulic Fluid Leak

My Kubota B2150D has a hydraulic fluid leak in the area of the power steering assembly. At first look is the leak is near the top of the power steering near the shaft for the steering wheel. The steering shaft also has some side to side play, in addition to rotational play. I am hoping that...

www.tractorbynet.com

There is an oil seal (diagram #340. PN 66363-66450) before you get very far down, exactly like Rich describes. I am there already. Will be a hundred dollar repair with a new bushing, and yes the previous owner pulled on the steering wheel quite a bit.
Note, there is both a cotter-pin-like rivet and a roll pin holding the steering shaft on and a spring underneath it that you need to keep track of. The hardest part of all of this is pulling all the sheet metal to get here.

 

[moeh1]

Too late for me but i found a YouTube on a different model Kubota where the steering column looks the same. Posting for those who like visual learning….